<p>Hey guys! I am a newbie to this forum. Found while researching for adequate techniques to deal with 1st year college failure. Here is my short story:</p>
<p>I was a high school valedictorian in my graduating class. Was a bit lazy but made it through.</p>
<p>College, 1st semester was okay. I slacked off but still made it with 3.2 average because of one class. Others were As and one was B+. However, second semester is just bad. I started bad. Lost little motivation I had. I now I am failing a class. Or maybe even two. Because I was lazy and plus I play games. I forgot to metion that I am a game addict. My profs don't encourage me. My calc professor is lost in himself. These are all secondary reasons. The primary reason is my attitude. My mental capabilities are very huge but with no motivation, a lot of stress because of failing and my attitude, these won't get me anywhere. I am almost feeling like giving up and joining military. I know that giving up is the worst thing to do but I am a very sensitive person prone to depression.</p>
<p>From your own experiences, what's the best thing to do? I really look forward to feedback. </p>
<p>1) Leave the gaming console at home
2) If you play online games unsubscribe to them.
3) If you play free online games download leechblock, and add-on for firefox and block the sites on which you play the games.
4) visit a counselor once a month (free service from school?)
5) make an effort to join a club on campus to hang out with other people (or do something you are interested in—substitute for gaming)
6) pick a major goal for yourself when you finish college, whether it be a career, certain grad school, new car, etc. take/download/print a picture of it and post it in the wall of your dorm/apt/bedroom for motivation
7) read “7 habits of highly effective people or teens”
8) buy a planner
9) encourage yourself to get a good gpa by aiming to get into honor societies at your school by making the required gpa</p>
<p>I know tons of kids like this at my previous college. Ultimately, many of them moved on to much easier schools where they could slack off easily and still pass.</p>
<p>Its not up to your professors to motivate you. Its up to you. If you don’t like college, perhaps go to a trade school.</p>
<p>There is more to life than games. If you really have an addiction (like my friend does) don’t bring the games to school and learn some self control.</p>
<p>Don’t agree on you on that one. Professors are getting paid for their work. Most of them are ok. However, I find some, very few to be very discouraging and unhelpful. They teach me nothing. Never answer my questions and reply with “whatever” and then move on. This is not the correct response from the prof.</p>
<p>Professors are paid for their degrees. If you want professors that are paid for their degrees and their reputation, transfer to a better school.</p>
<p>Professors are paid, yes. And they should help you if you ask for help. However, when you say motivate, you make it seem like they should go out of their way for you, and I simply don’t think thats possible for a professor to do. If you don’t make yourself known, they aren’t going to know you. Many students (such as myself) simply want to pass a class and move on. I do want to have a good connection with a few professors (and do), but most professors I have no interest in.</p>
<p>Especially with first year classes. They tend to be larger, and they are simply pre-req courses, and the professors know many students are uninterested with the subject. </p>
<p>I agree they should help when they are asked for help, but they shouldn’t have to go out of their way to help you when they see you’re failing. Thats up to you. Its not high school.</p>
<p>If professors don’t answer an e-mail, speak to them after class and make an appointment with them. I’ve done it before, and yes its annoying, but I thought my question/comment was important enough to make sure they knew. If a professor flat out refused to help you (and I’ve never encountered this) I would speak to someone higher than them, such as the head of their department.</p>
<p>Sometimes no matter how brilliant a professor is, they aren’t that great with communicating to students or treating them with the fuzzy wuzzies of our primary school days.</p>
<p>1st year is a tough adjustment. You obviously are very smart, but maybe the lack of fuzzies left a foul taste in your mouth. Good news: you know what you are up against and can expect no fuzzies next semester. I’m sure you’ll do better.</p>